Louise
Stories
Shining Moments
Visions Of The Holy In Ordinary Lives
Louise
"I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation...."
-- Exodus 15:1b-2a
Louise Martin is a marvel.
Born prematurely, she was accidentally dropped on the floor by a nurse shortly after birth, and death seemed imminent. So sure was the physician, that the birth registrar was sent away, and it was not until she was grown that Louise had a birth certificate. Birth was her first miracle, but not her last. You see, God had work for Louise.
This petite, silver-haired lady with sparkling eyes has lived through more miracles than most people can imagine. After a severe illness during which she had a near-death experience, Louise had a vision from God that she felt was leading her to leave her life in California and do his bidding.
Another miracle followed her survival, in the 1930s, when she was traveling to Harlem, New York, to see about working with the International Peace Mission. Those traveling with her had been "called" to this country from other parts of the world, feeling led by the Spirit to work with the disenfranchised. They were from India, Africa, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with a fair number of people of color in their group.
Once enrolled at the Mission, this select group would scatter to different parts of the U.S. to work with inner city problems and other needs involving people, performing both long- and short-term ministries.
While motoring toward New York, the seating on the bus was arranged according to sex. Women sat together and men sat together, which meant that Louise, a Caucasian, was seated next to an East Indian woman. The group had made a pact to never be separated for any reason in the interest of their ministry and safety.
As they entered Georgia, the bus was stopped by a patrolman who told them they would have to change their seating. When they refused, he told them the Ku Klux Klan was waiting for them around the next corner.
The bus proceeded, and sure enough, the Klan accosted them, demanding that the driver get off the bus. The Klan told him everyone must change seats, with all the Blacks in the back. The bus driver said they wouldn't, and he turned to re-board the bus. Strangely, the handrail was so hot he had to cover it with his cap to climb back on. He locked the door behind him.
The Klan made a run at the bus with weapons in their hands. An invisible shield stopped them from approaching the bus. It was as if they hit a wall when they ran toward it. They toppled over one another and landed in a heap, still brandishing shotguns and swords.
The bus driver hit the accelerator and sped away. The group proceeded on their way, giving thanks for the timely and amazing intervention of God.
"I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation...."
-- Exodus 15:1b-2a
Louise Martin is a marvel.
Born prematurely, she was accidentally dropped on the floor by a nurse shortly after birth, and death seemed imminent. So sure was the physician, that the birth registrar was sent away, and it was not until she was grown that Louise had a birth certificate. Birth was her first miracle, but not her last. You see, God had work for Louise.
This petite, silver-haired lady with sparkling eyes has lived through more miracles than most people can imagine. After a severe illness during which she had a near-death experience, Louise had a vision from God that she felt was leading her to leave her life in California and do his bidding.
Another miracle followed her survival, in the 1930s, when she was traveling to Harlem, New York, to see about working with the International Peace Mission. Those traveling with her had been "called" to this country from other parts of the world, feeling led by the Spirit to work with the disenfranchised. They were from India, Africa, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with a fair number of people of color in their group.
Once enrolled at the Mission, this select group would scatter to different parts of the U.S. to work with inner city problems and other needs involving people, performing both long- and short-term ministries.
While motoring toward New York, the seating on the bus was arranged according to sex. Women sat together and men sat together, which meant that Louise, a Caucasian, was seated next to an East Indian woman. The group had made a pact to never be separated for any reason in the interest of their ministry and safety.
As they entered Georgia, the bus was stopped by a patrolman who told them they would have to change their seating. When they refused, he told them the Ku Klux Klan was waiting for them around the next corner.
The bus proceeded, and sure enough, the Klan accosted them, demanding that the driver get off the bus. The Klan told him everyone must change seats, with all the Blacks in the back. The bus driver said they wouldn't, and he turned to re-board the bus. Strangely, the handrail was so hot he had to cover it with his cap to climb back on. He locked the door behind him.
The Klan made a run at the bus with weapons in their hands. An invisible shield stopped them from approaching the bus. It was as if they hit a wall when they ran toward it. They toppled over one another and landed in a heap, still brandishing shotguns and swords.
The bus driver hit the accelerator and sped away. The group proceeded on their way, giving thanks for the timely and amazing intervention of God.
